Joseph C. Wray Sr., 74, of Belltown, a man of quiet strength, passed away at 2:15 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, at his home.

Joe was born Dec. 6, 1947, the son of the late Cloyd and Isabel Wray. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife Shirley (Corson) Wray in 1972.

Joe was the beloved husband of Carolyn (Baker) for 47 years. He is also survived by his three sons; Joey and wife, Crystal, Matt and wife, Gretchen, Brad and wife, Maire, and his brother Tim and wife, Jeanne. In addition, he was blessed with five grandchildren, Alex, Kaylynn, Mackenzie, Theodore, and Geneveieve.

He was employed for 43 years at Standard Steel, retiring in 2014 as a production control manager. Joe served as a radar technician in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1968 aboard the Destroyer USS Lowery, which was deployed in the Vietnam War.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Joe loved spending time with his family and camping in his RV. Joe was gifted with the special ability at planning and navigating memorable vacations. Upon retirement, Joe and Carolyn traveled the open road to places such as Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, Florida, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador, the Smokey Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, Adirondacks, the Pacific Northwest and Saint John in the Virgin Islands.

For 50 years, Joe was an active member of the Paintersville C&MA church, and loved the Lord. Joe taught Sunday school, ran the sound booth, assisted with Christmas programs and led youth groups. Joe enjoyed nature and birdwatching and was a member of the Towpath Naturalist Society. Joe also devoted time to the Adopt a Highway Project.

Joe was a 1965 Graduate of Chief Logan High School and also graduated with high honors from Harrisburg Area Community College in 1994.

Services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, at Paintersville C&MA Church with the viewing from 10 a.m. to noon followed by the funeral service at noon led by Pastor Sherman Stoltzfus. Burial will take place at Paintersville cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Heller Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Geisinger Hospice, 106 Derry Heights Blvd. Suite 302, Lewistown, PA 17044, or to Paintersville C&MA church, 3195 Back Maitland Road, Lewistown, PA 17044. Special thanks to caring Hospice workers Joan, Heidi and Beth.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.

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